Philadelphia, PA — Penn State’s Carter Starocci made history at the NCAA Wrestling Championships on Thursday, breezing through the quarterfinals with a commanding 9-1 major decision over Jaxon Smith of Maryland at Wells Fargo Arena. With the victory, Starocci earned his place as a five-time All-American, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in Penn State history.
From the opening whistle, Starocci was in complete control of the match. His aggressive offense and relentless pressure overwhelmed Smith, who was unable to find any rhythm against the reigning national champion. Starocci quickly gained an early advantage with an explosive takedown, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Starocci’s relentless pace was evident as he added more points throughout the contest, continuing to attack Smith’s defenses with a series of well-executed takedowns and turns. By the second period, Starocci was firmly in control, pushing his lead to an insurmountable margin. His ability to ride on top and turn Smith on multiple occasions kept the pressure on, forcing the Maryland wrestler to defend for the majority of the match.
The 9-1 scoreline was a testament to Starocci’s dominance, as he continued to neutralize Smith’s attempts to counterattack. As the match came to a close, the crowd at Wells Fargo Arena rose to their feet, applauding the outstanding performance that not only secured the win but also marked a historic milestone in Starocci’s career.
“It feels amazing to achieve this milestone, but I’m not done yet,” said Starocci after the match. “Being a five-time All-American is something I’m really proud of, but the goal is still to win another national title. I’m focused on finishing strong and bringing home the gold for my team and my family.”
Starocci’s triumph in the quarterfinals puts him one step closer to his second national title, and his consistent excellence throughout his collegiate career has made him one of the most decorated wrestlers in NCAA history.
With this victory, he joins an elite group of athletes who have earned the coveted All-American honor five times.
As Penn State looks to add to its national team title hopes, Starocci’s performance serves as a reminder of the program’s dominance in NCAA wrestling. Fans and teammates alike are eagerly awaiting what could be another historic run for the five-time All-American as he sets his sights on more gold at the NCAA Finals.
Starocci’s journey to this point has been filled with triumph and determination, and with his eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize, the road ahead will be one to watch closely.
